Estonian artist says grillz trend is growing despite discomfort

Jewellery artist Liisbeth Kirss says removable tooth ornaments known as grillz are becoming more popular in Estonia, though wearing them can mean sacrificing comfort, ERR’s Ringvaade programme reported.

Grillz are placed over the teeth rather than fixed in place. Kirss said they should not be worn while eating, as food can hurt the teeth, although drinking is possible. She usually wears smaller pieces when going out, while larger ones are intended as exhibition works.

Kirss began making grillz in 2022. She said her grandmother’s gold teeth inspired her from childhood, and that she was also drawn to hip-hop culture as a teenager. Grillz first became popular through hip-hop, with rappers and other performers among the earliest wearers. In the United States, they have been popular since the 1980s, she said.

Kirss said grillz are easy to lose: wearers may take them out to eat, put them in a bag or pocket, and then misplace them. She has made pieces for Kermo Murel, Villemdrillem and Inga. Actors in Sveta Grigorjeva’s production “Sütitajad” also wore grillz made by Kirss.

Kirss is studying to become a dental technician. She said it seemed like a logical next step, allowing her to help people with treatment as well as make jewellery.